Student Spotlight: Emily Witek

Emily WitekMajor: Teacher Preparation

Emily Witek readily admits to being a menace when she was in first grade. But it was
the influence of her teacher that changed her attitude about education.

"I was not a fan of school or respecting authority, for that matter," she said. "I
don't know how she did it, but my first grade teacher made me see how I could make
the most of my days at school and how my attitude would affect my success. She really
got me involved in helping her out with classroom tidiness, and I felt my presence
was important. I went from rotten egg to teacher's pet but, more importantly, my teacher
shaped the way I looked at education and influenced the amount of effort I put in.

"She also made me realize I wanted to do the same thing for a child. I now know I
want to be an elementary school teacher and pave the way to success for kids who don't
see their potential. I have so much going for me in my life, and some would think
it's silly to attribute a lot of that to one of my first teachers, but I honestly
believe I wouldn't be the person I am today without her influence in my life."

Witek is currently in the Teacher Preparation program at College of DuPage. She's
paying for her own college, and being named a Presidential Scholar -- an impressive
award that includes a full-tuition scholarship and enrollment in COD's Honors program
and the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society -- is helping her save for when she transfers.
She is planning to earn her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University
of Illinois and then getting a job upon graduation.

She knows that this will be a life-long career and is excited about her time at College
of DuPage, which is providing opportunities for educational and personal growth.

"Personally, I am learning how to be more and more independent through going to COD.
Educationally, I am able to take classes that are actively engaging and challenging.
They apply to my major and will transfer to U of I," she said. "It's great being at
one of the best community colleges out there."

College of DuPage Addison Center

College of DuPage Addison Center is located in the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) on the east side of Swift Road, north of North Avenue and south of Army Trail Road. Swift Road is approximately 3/4 mile west of Route 53 or I-355.

College of DuPage Lisle location

The Lisle location is home to the College of DuPage Foundation, Center of Entrepreneurship and WorkNet Force. College of DuPage Lisle is located in the One Corporate Lakes building at the corner of Forbes and Cabot drives, just north of Warrenville Road.

College of DuPage Naperville Center

College of DuPage Naperville Center is located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street to Rickert Drive and turn north.

College of DuPage Westmont Center

College of DuPage Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from Ogden Avenue one block west of Route 83. The center entrance is immediately north of the bank.